Cheilodipterus singapurensis Bleeker, 1860
Truncate cardinalfish
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Apogonidae (Cardinalfishes), subfamily: Apogoninae
Max. size:  18 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 2 - 10 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Philippines, East Indies, Palau, Caroline Islands, Marshall Islands, and Rowley Shoals off northwestern Australia. Also reported from New Caledonia (Ref. 26587).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 8-9. A small white spot at end of base of second dorsal fin that is distinctive in juveniles and maybe absent in large individuals (Ref. 48635). Description: Characterized by pale grey color with five brown stripes on side; small black spot at middle of caudal fin base; last dorsal ray with white spot below; greatest depth of body 2.8-3.5 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Inhabits lagoon reefs (Ref. 37816) and silty habitats in among boulders in seagrass areas; juveniles among urchin spines (Ref. 48635). Sexual maturity reached at about 7 to 8 cm (Ref. 8525). Solitary and nocturnal (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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